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Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer: Lowering Your Risks

August 25, 2017

During the month of October, you see a lot of pink and you hear a lot about Breast Cancer. That is because October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, that are two other types of cancer that are killing Americans: oral and pharyngeal cancer. In fact, according to statistics gathered and reported by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 37,000 people in the United States will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2014. This same year, an estimated 7,3000 will die of these cancers.

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that stars in the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the back of the throat, just behind the mouth (oropharynx). These types of cancers occur most often in the tongue, tonsils and oropharynx, gums and mouth floor. They can also be found in the lips, salivary glands, and other sites in the mouth.

The strongest risk factors for oral and pharyngeal cancers are tobacco and alcohol use. The risk is particularly strong when these two risk factors are combined. Oropharyneal cancer is has also been linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is spread during skin-to-skin sexual contact.

Like most other forms of cancers, early detection, diagnoses and treatment is the key to increasing the chances of a successful recovery. Since these types of cancers are particularly aggressive as compared to other types of cancers, early detection and treatment is even more important when dealing with oral and throat cancers.

Regular dental checkups that include an exam of the entire mouth are important in finding oral and oropharyngeal cancers (and pre-cancers) early. Along with a clinical exam of the mouth and throat, some dentists and doctors may use special dyes and/or lights to look for abnormal areas. These additional screening tests are often used on patients who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. If an abnormal area is spotted, some of these tests may also be used to help determine if they might be cancers (and therefore will need a biopsy) or to choose the best area to sample for a biopsy.

If you are at a high risk for developing oral or pharyngeal cancer and have not been screened, schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist today. You can also talk to your dentist about lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk for developing one of these serious and life-threatening forms of cancer.

Patient Reviews

I was referred to Dr. Morris 4 years ago when I moved to the Atlanta area. I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have found such an awesome dentist who has an awesome staff as well! Whether I’m there for a cleaning, crown or night guard adjustment, they make sure everything is taken care of and always leave the door open to come back if necessary. Dr. Morris and staff get to know their patients and what goes on, they are not just a patient number. Even if I were to move from where I live now, I will still go to Dr. Morris!
msosborne81

Great office! Terrific staff, very efficient and friendly. Dr. Morris is great. I recently came to the practice after some 20 years with another dental practice, and I was not sure I was ready to change, but I'm sold! Will definitely stick with this practice.
Suellen Slockbower

Dr. Fields is a truly skilled and patient dentist!I know its hard to believe a 5 star rating - but, when things go that well at a dentist as they did for me today, you really have to give them the accolades they deserve! After struggling to find a new dentist (moved from out of state) - I tried Dr. Fields. I knew I needed some serious work and was concerned. After my second visit, I am beating myself up for not coming sooner.

On the first visit, Dr. Fields had to spend a lot of time removing an extremely stubborn inlay that just never did its job - but, he was so patient and the whole experience was relatively painless. I couldn't believe it.

Today, I had two permanent crowns put in - I can't be happier! After years of pain and discomfort, my teeth actually work! I can chew!! And, I feel like my bite has even improved.

Not to be forgotten, was my fabulous hygienist, Lee! Thank you Lee for such a thorough and amazing job! I am looking forward to my next cleaning.

Although the office is lovely, and the staff extremely nice - the most important thing to me is that my teeth look and feel better - which, I can pleasantly say, they do!!
G A

Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!
Cathy Quillen

Great introductory visit deal, and a very positive experience with Dr. Morris and her staff! Le did the most thorough cleaning I've had in years, and front desk staff were terrific.
Aleisa McKinlay

Going to a new dentist can be stressful, but this experience was the BEST I have ever had. Dr. Morris and Dr. Fields are a cut above the rest, and they offer state of the art technology, and an environment that takes the sting out of going to the dentist for sure. Conveniently located in Roswell, the staff is caring, patient-focused, and efficient. I've never smiled so much at a dentist's office! I highly recommend friends and family making their next visit to this dentist. Pain free!!!!
Lesley Gamwell

I have been going to Dr. Morris for over 17 years. I go back because she is the best Dentist I have ever gone to.
Djhahn13

Amazing staff, do a great job being professional and personal at the same time 🙌🏾
Treve Dillahunty

Beautiful office and friendly staff!! Great service and great dentists!
Krista Hill

Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.
Kelly Texter

David Fields fixed three fillings for me and it was easy and painless. Really appreciated his attention to detail while making sure I was comfortable the entire time. A flawless experience. thanks!
Corey Perlman

First time here and it was amazing! The bathrooms were clean,
Kholod

I have been going to Dr. Morris for around 19 years . I recently move to Gulf Shores Alabama and I am not going to change dentists. I drive to Atlanta to get my teeth cleaned. I love her staff ! They are very caring and Dr Morris is as well!
Susan Coltman

Andrea and Dr Fields were fantastic and did everything possible to make a stressful situation better! Will definitely be back for my next cleaning.
Samantha Smith

Le did a fantastic job clening my teeth! Mitzi is as sweet as thry come and it was a wonderful experience!
Beth Dunlap

Very friendly staff and an overall nice experience at the Dentist!
Ryan Regan

Great staff, great facilities, and great care by all involved in the practice. A first rate experience.
Lloyd Penn

I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my ""go-to"" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++

Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!
Adam Otey

Been going to Mitzi Morris for 15 years. We love their professionalism and care. Reccomended to many friends.
Timothy Reidy

I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!
Christopher Price

Going to the dentist is not on the top of my favorites but Dr. Mitzi Morris is THE BEST! The hygienist is always fantastic.
James Halter

Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods.

I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!
Eric Figurelli

I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.
Bruce Conover

Best dental care I've ever received. I always look forward to going to the dentist since I found Dr. Morris, and who ever says that : )
Kelly Halter

Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent ""bedside manner."" The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.
David Gordon

About 4 years ago I set out to find another dentist. I had been with my previous dentist around 14-15 years (my boys went to him also) but I found the older I got the more specialized the service I needed and the dentist I was going to was set in his ways. Everything was black and white, you can do that , you can't do that. After researching many dentist in the Roswell area, I found Dr. Morris. She was willing to think out of the box, be challenged - far from the black and white, can do can't do that I was used to. Dr. Morris and her staff is so friendly, you feel like one of the family. You get exceptional service for a reasonable price, she is willing to work with you until you are satisfied. I will never go to another dentist after seeing her dedication to her job and her patients....Great job guys, you have set the bar very high.
M Anderson

Dr. Morris and her staff are amazing. They make you feel comfortable at their office and explain every detail about what they are doing and what they need to do in the future. I highly recommend this dental practice.
Libby Schoenecke

Awesome staff and care!
sed dent

Another great visit to the Dentist. Dr. Mitzi Morris and team are fantastic. They are always welcoming, considerate and friendly. If you're looking for a new dentist or dentist, period, I highly recommend Dr. Morris' office.
Jim Harriman

I moved to this office because I felt I was being overcharged at my previous office and I definitely was. The entire staff was extremely nice and everything in the office was perfect. 10/10 would recommend.
Stephen Baxley

Very Good patient to doctor personal manner. Dr. Morris really knows how to take care of their patients. Real respectable practice. My whole family goes here. Thanks!
Michael Mitchell

Great Staff! Beautiful State of the Art Office! Finally, it is a pleasure to come to the dentist!
Margaret Velez

Was nervous about getting a new dentist after being with one for so long, but after moving to Roswell, seemed a little silly to drive an hour. SO glad I came across Dr Morris' informative newsletter! I was able to get an appointment within the week. Everyone in the office takes the extra moment to make you feel welcome and comfortable-I especially love the travel water cup ""thank you"". Loved my hygienist's, Leah, magic hands--my gums are sensitive being pregnant but she flossed like a gentle pro! Dr Morris is thorough, personable and takes the time to make sure all your questions are answered. My whole family will be going to Dr Morris for years to come!
Dawn S

The staff and both Dentist, Dr. Morris and Dr. Fields make you feel like family and take the anxiety out of going to the dentist and most times take the pain....
Terri Matteson

Dr. Morris has been our dentist for years. She and her staff are top notch and provide excellent customer service. My children have never known another dentist and when I tell them we're off to an appointment, they actually get excited! If you're looking for a great dentist, look no further -- Dr. Morris is the best!
Jennifer Eaby

After telling my 'pickiest' friend that I like women dentists with smaller hands and more empathy (in general, of course), my friend researched and found the perfect dentist for both of us! I needed a replacement crown in a tough place to reach. Dr. Morris and her assistant did a great job. When my husband asked how the tooth felt, I forgot I'd gone to the dentist!! Our last lady dentist finally retired, so I was happy to meet a vibrant younger dentist who will hopefully continue practicing a very long time.
Joyce Bentley

The staff are always professional, yet personable. They care about your needs and the services that they provide to you.
Darrell Hahn

I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.
Marc Mamane

Love Dr. Morris and her staff! I would strongly recommend going to see her for any of your dental needs.
Drew Culbreth

Dr. Morris is an amazing Dentist and person! I cannot thank her enough for her help.
Alex Clark-Youngblood

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Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia.
Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

Cathy Q

Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

Kelly T

Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods.
I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

Eric F

I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

Christopher P

Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

David G

I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++
Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

Adam O

I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch.
It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

Bruce C

I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.